The Sharks are making waves as a team that’s no longer just “rebuilding,” they are becoming a competitive force in the Pacific Division. This week, the conversation centered on the meteoric rise of Macklin Celebrini, the evolution of Will Smith, and how Mike Grier might leverage the team’s assets to land a veteran defenseman.
Macklin Celebrini: Rewriting the History Books
The hype around Macklin Celebrini is officially real. This week, Celebrini reached his 40th point as a teenager in just 27 games. To put that in perspective, he reached that milestone faster than Hall of Famers like Mario Lemieux and is currently pacing with the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby.
The hosts discussed how Macklin’s impact goes beyond the scoresheet. It’s his “hustle,” his ability to win puck battles on the walls, and his elite zone entries that make him a “mesmerizing” talent to watch every night.
Will Smith’s Growth: Attacking the D
While Celebrini grabs the headlines, Will Smith is showing significant signs of maturity. In a standout 6-3 win over Utah, Smith netted two goals by doing something the hosts have been calling for all season: attacking the defender.
Rather than “wheeling back” to find a pass, Smith used his elite skill to drive forward and challenge defenders directly. This shift in momentum is a huge step for the rookie as he learns to navigate the physical demands of the NHL.
Trade Rumors: Is Justin Faulk a Target?
With the Sharks hovering around the playoff bubble, the conversation turned to how the team could reward the current roster. One name that surfaced in a mock trade was St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk.
The proposed deal involved the Sharks potentially moving prospect Casper Haltonen and a second-round pick. The hosts analyzed why this might make sense:
- The Logjam: With offensive talents like Quentin Musty, Igor Chernyshov, and Collin Graf in the pipeline, the Sharks have a surplus of scoring forwards.
- The Need: Faulk is a veteran minute-eater who could serve as a perfect “bridge player” for the Sharks’ young blue line.
Player Spotlights: Graf and the Veteran Core
- Collin Graf: After being promoted to the top line, Graf scored just 33 seconds into a game against Carolina. The hosts praised his journey from an undrafted free agent to a top-line contributor, noting he has “earned every bit of his ice time”.
- Tyler Toffoli: “Toff is back!” After a brief slump, Toffoli exploded for two goals and two assists against Utah, proving he remains the team’s most reliable veteran scoring threat.
World Juniors and Beyond
The episode wrapped up with a look ahead to the World Junior Championships, where the Sharks’ deep prospect pool will be on full display. The hosts also teased a special Members Only event on December 21st, where they will be opening card packs to find rookie cards for Celebrini and Smith.
